Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar in Charleston: Levantine Cooking and Wine in the Historic District

What to expect at Jerusalem Mediterranean

Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar sits on King Street in Charleston's Historic District and serves Levantine cuisine—the food of the eastern Mediterranean, with roots in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Israel. The menu centers on mezze (small plates meant for sharing), grilled meats and seafood, and house-made breads. The dining room has a warm, intimate feel with exposed brick, and the bar stocks wines from the Mediterranean region alongside cocktails and spirits. Dinner is the main service, though the restaurant opens for lunch on weekdays.

The kitchen emphasizes fresh ingredients and traditional preparation. Hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh appear alongside less common dishes like muhammara (roasted red pepper and walnut dip) and labneh (strained yogurt). Grilled lamb, chicken, and fish are cooked over open flame. The wine list leans toward natural and small-producer bottles from Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey, chosen to pair with the food rather than to impress.

Key Takeaways

• Jerusalem serves Levantine mezze and grilled meats in a brick-lined dining room on King Street, with dinner as the primary service and weekday lunch also available.
• The menu includes house-made hummus, grilled lamb and seafood, and traditional breads, with many dishes designed for sharing.
• The wine program focuses on Mediterranean producers, including natural wines from Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey that pair with the food.
• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, and the restaurant accommodates groups and can discuss dietary needs with advance notice.

The mezze and small plates

The mezze selection is the heart of the menu and the best way to experience the kitchen's range. Hummus arrives warm, topped with olive oil and spiced meat or chickpeas. Baba ghanoush—charred eggplant blended with tahini and lemon—has a smoky depth. Muhammara, made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses, is tangy and slightly sweet. Labneh, the strained yogurt, comes with za'atar (a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame) and flatbread for scooping.

Beyond the dips, the mezze menu shifts seasonally but typically includes grilled halloumi cheese, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and marinated olives. Tabbouleh—a salad of parsley, tomato, bulgur, and lemon—is bright and herbaceous. Kibbeh, the Lebanese meatball made from ground lamb and bulgur, arrives fried or raw (kibbeh nayeh), depending on the version. Most tables order four to six mezze plates and share, which is how the meal is meant to be eaten.

Grilled mains and seafood

The grilled section of the menu features lamb, chicken, and fish cooked over open flame. Lamb kebab—cubed meat marinated and threaded on skewers—is charred on the outside and tender inside, served with grilled tomato, onion, and flatbread. Chicken shawarma, the spit-roasted bird, comes sliced and wrapped or plated with rice and salad. Lamb chops are simply seasoned and cooked to order.

Seafood changes based on what is available but often includes whole grilled fish, shrimp kebab, and branzino. These are typically served with rice, a salad of tomato and cucumber, and lemon. The kitchen does not oversauce; the focus is on the quality of the ingredient and the char from the grill. Portions are substantial, and most diners finish a main with leftover mezze from earlier in the meal.

Wine and drinks

The wine list is curated to complement Levantine food rather than to showcase prestige labels. Lebanese wines—from producers like Château Musar and Ksara—anchor the red selection. Greek and Turkish wines appear throughout, and the list includes natural wines made with minimal intervention. Prices range from moderate to high, with many bottles in the $40 to $80 range.

The bar also serves cocktails built around Mediterranean spirits—ouzo, arak (the anise-flavored spirit from the Levant), and vermouth. Non-alcoholic options include fresh lemonade, mint tea, and coffee. The bartender can suggest pairings if you describe what you are ordering to eat.

How to visit and what to know

Jerusalem is located at 27 King Street, in the heart of Charleston's Historic District, within walking distance of the waterfront and other restaurants and galleries. Dinner service runs Tuesday through Sunday, typically from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., though hours vary seasonally. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday. The restaurant does not take walk-ins during peak times; reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.

The dining room seats around 60 people and has a relaxed but attentive atmosphere. The bar is open to non-diners and is a good spot for a drink and mezze if you do not want a full meal. The restaurant can accommodate groups with advance notice and will discuss dietary restrictions—vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Street parking on King Street is metered; a paid lot is one block away.

Why this restaurant matters to Charleston's food scene

Jerusalem represents a shift in Charleston dining toward cuisines that were less common in the city a decade ago. Levantine food, with its emphasis on vegetables, grains, and shared plates, offers an alternative to the low-country seafood and French-influenced cooking that have long defined the city's restaurants. The kitchen's commitment to traditional technique and Mediterranean wines reflects a broader interest in food that connects to place and history.

The restaurant also sits within Charleston's growing Middle Eastern and Mediterranean community, and the menu reflects that. It is one of several spots in the city where you can eat food rooted in the Levant, prepared by cooks who understand the region. For visitors, it offers a genuine alternative to tourist-focused dining; for locals, it is a neighborhood restaurant that rewards regular visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required for lunch, but they are strongly recommended for dinner, especially on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is small and fills quickly. You can call ahead or reserve online through their website or a reservation platform.

Can I come just for drinks and appetizers?

Yes. The bar is open to non-diners, and you can order mezze and wine without committing to a full meal. This is a popular option for groups who want to linger over drinks and small plates.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

The restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Call ahead or mention your needs when you arrive, and the kitchen will work with you. Many mezze are naturally vegetarian, and the staff can guide you through the menu.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking on King Street is metered and limited. A paid parking lot is one block away on Queen Street. During peak times, parking fills quickly, so plan accordingly or use a rideshare service.

What is the price range?

Mezze plates typically run $8 to $16 each. Grilled mains are $18 to $32. Wine by the glass is $8 to $14; bottles range from $35 to $120. A meal for two with wine and multiple mezze usually costs $60 to $100 before tax and tip.